PRODUCT REVIEW: Striders Edge clothing
You know when you have that dream where you’re running down the street and all of a sudden you realise you’re naked and everyone is staring at you? Now I sort of know what that feels like. I’ve been going to the gym for around 6 years, and I started running in November 2011. During that time I have used various items of clothing for my workouts, most of which I haven’t had any inclination to write about… until now.
The first time I wore my Striders Edge Peak Elements tights and Engineered Climate Map Vest to go running I stepped out of the house and I was sure I had forgotten something. The fabric was so soft and fitted so well against my body that I didn’t feel like I had any clothes on at all! In honesty is a weird feeling to begin with, but then it occurred to me that this is exactly what sports apparel should feel like. You shouldn’t feel a waistband rubbing against your skin, or have to worry about those annoying itchy labels while you’re halfway through a run.
There is so much I love about Striders Edge clothing that I will write bullet points to avoid this becoming an essay:
– Exceptionally comfortable to wear (as described above!)
-Perfect number of pockets. With the Peak Elements tights and CM vest combo I have 3 really good sized pockets for keys, phone and my mini mp3 player. Plus, I should add that despite the pockets on the tights being at the front you can’t feel anything in them while you’re running. I don’t know how they’ve managed it but it’s amazing!
– The colours of their products are lush. I am SO tired of female sportswear brands thinking it’s all about the pastel pinks and blues, lilac, white and maybe a black if you’re lucky. Striders Edge seem to actually understand that some women have a sense of style and even when they look like a sweaty mess they can also wear colours they like.
– The fabric their products use is very flattering and easy to wear, and being antibacterial and wicking I can wear them for a couple of workouts without any risk of them getting smelly (less laundry = happy me, happy earth!). The real test for the CM vest will be 7 days constant use on Kili in May as a base layer!
– The length of the vests are longer than most other brands. As someone who has a long torso but little legs having tops riding up while I’m running is a sure-fire way to distract me. The vest comes right down over my hips which is not only flattering but also prevents the top riding up.
For me, there are only a few downsides to Striders Edge, and the main one is the price. I was lucky enough to be totally spoiled at Christmas which is why I ended up with two vests and the tights – prior to that I had been desperately wanting them but couldn’t quite justify them financially. However, now I know they are worth every one of my husband’s pennies I will feel more inclined to treat myself in future. The Engineered Climate Map 1/2 Zip Base Layer in Ruby Wine is next on my list!
The other one is where the garments are made. I don’t know why (perhaps the price) but I had assumed that Striders Edge products were made in the UK. The Peak Elements tights are made ‘with love in China’ and the CM vest is made in Portugal. I was a bit sad when I learnt this but I suppose I can understand it. I just hope that the garments are made in the happy factories we all hope our clothing is produced in. I’m sure they are.
Anyway, I want to finish on a positive note because I do believe that Striders Edge are an excellent brand, made with young (and young at heart), dedicated, enthusiastic sports women firmly in mind. Getting into my sportswear is no longer a chore, and if people stare at me while I’m running or in the gym I know I’ll be looking my best (while puffing and panting, with a bright red face dripping with sweat).
Why not check them out for yourself http://www.stridersedge.com.